A Guide to Wedding Dress Styles and Silhouettes

Today we're delighted to be joined by award-winning Irish bridal designer and couturier Patrick Casey, who's imparting some of his wisdom on the subject of wedding dress styles. This is perfect for those of you starting out on the wedding dress search, Patrick gives us the run-down of the key wedding dress silhouettes and the kinds of body shape they best suit.

The search for the perfect wedding dress. First of all, this should be a fun time of trying on all the different silhouettes and wedding dress styles available. Before embarking on the hunt for your dream dress, it does pay to do a little homework and figure out what kind of look you are dreaming of, and what kind of shape will show your figure off to best advantage. Remain stress free and true to yourself. A wedding gown is such an important symbol to the bride to be, and no two brides are the same, so remain “bien dans sa peau”, that is to say, very comfortable and centred within your being. Don’t be swayed by others comments or views on what they feel you should wear (Ed: don't bring too many people with you when wedding dress shopping - one of our top tips!)

Fundamentally there are 6 wedding gown silhouette styles...

The Empire-Line Gown

A great choice for the pear-shaped bride as it helps to disguise the hips. With this style the skirt extends from the under bust line, skims over the hips and tummy area and creates a straight flow from bust to toes.

Scarlet Wedding Gown by Patrick Casey

The Trumpet Gown

The skirt in this wedding gown style flares out just below the hips, creating a semi-full skirt (shaped like the bell of a trumpet) without extra volume and bulk.

Eva Wedding Gown by Patrick Casey

The Mermaid Gown

This wedding gown style is a bit more fitted and flares out at the knee (or lower). It’s a great silhouette for showing off curves.

Adele wedding gown by Patrick Casey

The A-Line Gown

This universally flattering style hugs the torso and has a flared skirt in, you guessed it, an A-shape. A great shape for all figures but particularly for those with a fuller bust.

Eliza wedding gown by Patrick Casey

The Ball Gown

The ball gown style has a fitted bodice and a dramatic full skirt. It works for many bodies. In particular it is excellent for brides with fuller busts as the skirt flows out from the hips, creating the illusion of a smaller waist and creates more balanced proportions between the bust and the hips.

Tara wedding dress by Patrick Casey

The Sheath

This form-fitting silhouette hugs the body from head-to-toe. It’s the perfect look for casual intimate and destination weddings.

Carla wedding dress by Patrick Casey

Just remember...

A very important point for all brides but most particularly for brides with larger hips than bust: always try to square your hips with your shoulders. It gives a much cleaner silhouette.

Finally, I find a bridal gown has so many similarities to that of a perfume. The fragrance comes alive when in contact with the skin and more importantly no two people will wear it the same. So the most important thing is to try different wedding dress styles on. Regardless of your choice of wedding dress, on the day you will look stunning because you are so happy.

Many thanks for the expert advice Patrick! To see more of Patrick's beautiful wedding dress designs pop over to www.patrickcasey.ie, the gowns are also stocked in Myrtle Ivory in Dublin 2